Ethics of writing for free...

bigsmokewriting

Hi Creative Writing forumers, don't know if you've seen this but thought it might be of interest, the link's been flying around Twitter the past while:

http://www.thecoachellareview.com/fiction/thepayoffwillbeingoodkarma_stevealmond.html

Exchange between a writer and an editor/agent about contributing to a book for free (even though the editor/agent is being paid, and it's not a proceeds-to-charity deal either...)

pickarooney

Not really sure what to make of this to be honest. I would just not contribute and be done with it if I were him instead of wasting my time arguing with the agent.

PCPhoto

its like everything else ..... no one wants to work for free or even their name credited...... everyone has mouths to feed and bills to pay.

best response when someone asks to work for free/credit is to refuse and ignore - and inform colleagues/friends.

why doesnt the writer suggest that they go halves on the editors money (to save the publication costs of paying a writer...lol) - after all if the editor does the job for free the writer will too - if the editor earns money ...so should the writer.

FewFew

That's a bit outrageous really. I can understand working for free when you're trying to make a name for yourself, but they approached him because of his authority on the topic.
Happens in all creative walks of life really, if you think this is bad you should see some of the carry-on in the music industry.

north.

interesting

owlwink

I love this:

"They think the payoff will be in good karma.
If asking contributors to write for free then collecting 50K is good karma, what’s bad karma, Mark?"


Some people really do take the p*ss.